will LOWES swap $200 in broken CRAFTSMAN tools? Lifetime Warranty ACE Hardware

[@DAVIDWTCS]

The Snap-On salesman walked up to my toolbox and started making fun of my Craftsman tools. I told him Craftsman has the same warranty, and, at the time, Sears was 2 miles from the shop I worked at. If I broke a Snap-On tool, I had to wait until he came in on Friday. If I broke a Craftsman, I could exchange it on my lunch hour. He never spoke to me again. I was so hurt! LOL

[@sixtyfiveford]

Exactly. The tool truck tools are nice and definitely built to a higher standard. However they're 5-10% nicer and the price doesn't reflect this.

[@NWoutdoorsman]

I have snapon craftsman and Carlyle ratchets with mostly craftsman sockets I prefer Carlyle because the ratchets feel good on the hand (not sharp on the corners like craftsman) and easier to replace at the local napa. The snapon ratchets I have are a better fine tooth and work better in some applications.

[@tonydobek8908]

@@sixtyfiveford Harbor freight! Socket $1.30, snap-on $25.00! I whip the pants off of both of them and have about the same breakage rate!

[@jamibrywatts8378]

When i was a diesel mechanic(90s/early 2000s) our "strap" on guy had a chart up showing where a independent lab had tested 3/8s ratchets from about every manufacturer and of course the snap on came in first place but the craftsman came in a pretty close 2nd. I wrenched hard and heavy on everything from tractors to railroad equipment and my craftsman stuff stayedin the fight all day everyday. Was easier to replace sears never gave me and ounce of guff in a return or repair of a tool even when it was obvious i had put a cheater on it pulled enough Gs on that thing to make a gorilla fart. I miss the awe factor of the glory days of the sears tool area.

[@jamessmejkal8803]

Snap-On tool dealers have a habit of going through tool boxes and looking for homemade tools, then evaluate them to see if they could be reproduced by Snap-On patented and put up for sale. At least going through my screwdriver drawer he kept my screw drivers in good shape,(This was done in the mid seventies). I have never had a Craftsman or Snap-On return questioned.

[@ZERO_42069]

I do miss the sears by my house. When i was 17 i walked in with a rusted to shit craftsman ratchet, the manager and i were having s convo while he fixed it (back when they had repair kits) and i mentioned him that that was my first ratchet that i bought when i was 15 at a yard sale and that that was all i could afford, he pulled out a big box with bunch of tool and handed me 2 more ratchets, a 1/4 and 1/2 size. He told me those were there for months so i cold have em, still got em to this day

[@simplywonderful449]

My dad, an electrician, always bought Craftsman BECAUSE of their warranty. Every so often he'd bring his "notched-shank" screwdrivers back, as they'd burn a notch in the shank after arcing in an electrical panel. Sears never batted an eye at him and promptly replaced the tool, even though they KNEW what caused it. Both Dad and Sears are gone now, but I have a box full of notched-shank screwdrivers I'll have to replace, except for a few that mean a lot to me as he always gave me a few of them for my own tool box!

[@rbabusrisaisakthi2893]

I used kzbin.infoUgkx4ynqaujg7rZKFapA8s29kTpRszJGa3-K this for the first time today to replace the front wheel bearing on my rwd 98 dodge dakota. This had absolutely no issue removing or reinstalling the lug nuts and it took off the axle nut without any struggle. Sounds like it's got some muscle to it. Time will tell

[@poofpoof9940]

Honestly im super happy to hear that lowes is honoring craftsman returns

[@bstory3196]

NOT all will

[@desotopete]

I had to haggle with Lowes to get a replacement. It wasn't an easy process.

[@steveham803]

I once found a Craftsman 3/8 ratchet laying in the street at an intersection. It had been ran over several times and didn’t ratchet anymore. I drove straight to a Sears store and took it to the tool counter. They exchanged it right away with no problem at all. I love Craftsman tools since then and my tool box is filled with them.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's awesome.

[@jimcochran6042]

Steve Ham I have found several craftsman tools in the street some perfect 1/4 ratchet screw driver and so on they replaced with no problem, had a 1/2 drive rack. that Found laying out after my younger bro died rusted tighter then jug they replaced it. But the best was a screwdriver I took back the salesman at Sears replaced it but said this does not void the warranty but he wanted to know how I warped the handle so bad. I told him I used it to lock up a sprocket on a HD Moter cycle he grinned and said have a good. By the way Lowe's just swapped out a 56yr old ratchet no ques, no problems

[@michaelbrowning5755]

As the defective/warranty clerk at my ace, I've come to know alot about Craftsman tools, most times the same thing you did at lowes with the rachets will work at Ace. However, some Ace's are a bit more particular on model. On the bright side Stanley Black and Decker (Owners of Craftsman now) are discontinuing the older style of ratchet but still honoring the lifetime warranty with the newer style 120 tooth model. Personally at my Ace we do try to keep it like Sears swap the tag have a great day.

[@joelbrand5362]

I am totally amazed at Lowe's swapped out your Craftsman tools, maybe there is hope in this world.

[@JaykAnderson]

Love these short form videos. No stupid intro, straight to the content I'm here for.

[@jhonnygarcia7396]

Apparently everyone on KZbin is show wanna be. Glad to see good quality videos straight to the point

[@unitedstatesofbuild4915]

Ive had great luck doing this also. Pro Tip: make them a SUPER crazy low offer on the open package you left them with. Theyll call the store manager over and he'll say "I cant go that low" then he'll counter at crazy low. Thanks for the video

[@johnedmunds1380]

Genius

[@erikh.1072]

They don't ask questions they just replace it. They are honestly awesome

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

It's good to see someone honors Craftsman's lifetime hand tool warranty.

[@NoMoneyG]

I know many comments here on getting brand new from Sears as replacements, but it's always been their policy to replace them from refurbished if similar under the counter. If not then a new one off the rack. Nice to know about Lowes & Ace doing it too! Thanks for the video.

[@lewiskemp5893]

Lowes has always swapped my broken craftsman tools. Even upgraded one ratchet because they couldn't find one like my old one. Some of my tools were 30 years old. Great service from Lowes

[@Movieman1965]

You have a good Lowes near you!

[@scottvincent7666]

Craftsman tools, old Ford trucks and dogs. Perfect video!

[@richardm3023]

You forgot guns.

[@kevinshort5468]

And fishing

[@SgtBooker44]

It doesn’t get any more American then that Scott.

[@bc65925]

In 1982 I came home from the service to find the 6" vice replaced on the workbench at the sawmill. The old one was still under the bench (with the back jaw busted off) and it had Craftsman molded into the side. I carried it to Sears, sat the 50 or so lb cast steel on the counter and was told "Sears decided that a bench vice was no longer a hand tool a few years prior, but I could have any vice at 1/2 off." Got the new 6" home and there inside was "if it ever fails return for a full refund." Took that paper in and said "so a new vice is warrantied but my old one isn't?" They refunded my money.

[@shawbros]

People that make up their own rules need to be corrected.

[@judecmcsgamingsurvivalchan9531]

Ya I was wondering if I could get my vise refunded, get get it to not swivel no matter how hard I tighten it, gonna have to give it a try

[@brianglade848]

In the 80s I loved bringing a broken screwdriver to Sears,the tip snapped off, and the handled mushroomed, the guy would say,did you use this as a chisel, I'd say nope, and he handed me a new one lol

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's hilarious..... Been there done that!

[@russ5131]

That is exactly why it is hard on everyone now. Right tool, right job. What you did was dishonest and nothing short of stealing.

[@brianglade848]

@@russ5131 whatever Asshat, lighten up

[@johnrose954]

Actually, didn't matter. Warranty back in the day, no question on how it was used

[@sixtyfiveford]

@@russ5131 You forget the Sears of the '90s and pre had 100% satisfaction guaranteed no matter what and they would give you your money back. There are countless comments below of people who have(or father) casually mentioned in a Sears to the tool guy they were buying a new tool because they lost the old one and Sears just giving them the new one for free. Sears did this as a gesture and kept people buying tools over and over. The entire lifetime warranty is a marketing scam. It's too get somebody to come in to replace a tool and have a cash paying customer back in the store so they can sell them on more items. The Craftsman ratchets always broke no matter how gentle you were on them but they didn't care because you kept coming back to the store to buy more tools every time you had it warranteed.

[@vegasfordguy]

Awesome! Heck yeah, make em stand behind their warranty! Good to know that Lowe's didn't hassle you. I remember back in the day you could walk into Sears with a 5 gallon bucket of tools to replace without a fuss. Years later they would limit how many you could bring back and we're difficult about it.

[@gtwrmw1978]

The last time I tried having Sears honor my warranty, about three years ago, they refused to swap out my broken 1/4" drive ratchet. Instead, they said they would have to order (!) a rebuild kit, and repair the ratchet when the kit arrived. I just walked out, and got the kit myself online. In the '90s, they would just swap out the tool, no hassle. Glad to see Lowe's and Ace is swapping out tools like Sears did in the old days.

[@geronimo5537]

try calling the manufacture if it ever happens again. you can just send a photo and parts numbers. they will ship a new one and you keep both.

[@warriordugan7236]

About 3 years ago I had some worn out 40 year old Craftsmen hand tools from my father's basement. I brought them to (probably) one of the last standing Sears store. I carried them all in an old Craftsmen tool box. They replaced everything on the spot, including the toolbox and there was one tool ( I think it was a Channel lock) they didn't have in stock and handed me cash back for it. Not a bad deal to replace 40 year old tools with new ones. But for whatever reason, the old tools seemed better made.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's awesome.

[@anarchyamp]

The old tools were definitely made better

[@g.fortin3228]

I had been meaning to ask them about this.. never remembered to ask. Good to know ! I have a couple twisted square shank drivers and a chipped out phillips to swap.

[@alexk8640]

I LOVE Craftsman. I don't care that tool snobs may not think they are the "best", but I have never been disappointed with any of their products. I am glad to see them back in business and that they have revived their replacement policy. I do wish they were made in the USA as in days of old, but I have found the quality to be about on par with the old stuff I recently just finished getting the entire new acetate handled screw driver collection and am ready to put them through their paces!

[@johnnyjimj]

Man! I'm sure these stores are going to suddenly see a rash of Craftsman tools returns all thanks to you 😆

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

Craftsman has that as their paid-for forever guarantee. I worked for Sears when I was in college. I recall our hardware manager having a book that showed the *actual* cost of our Craftsman tools in Division 9 (tools). Most screwdrivers were made by WF (Western Forge) in the USA at the time. A $8.99 screwdriver actually cost $0.17 to make, was sold to sears for $0.65 and was sold on the shelf for $8.99. It was explained that the "replacement cost" was already built in and Sears woukd not take a loss, so ... "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back" was no risk. He also explained that most people will never use a tool to their full use or a breaking point, so the data showed that they only replaced approximately 10% of tools sold and only made a profit. Good tools, good price, great guarantee.

[@TheRetiredtech]

I had much worse luck at ACE they would send back and if they got a replacement it took 2-3 weeks. Wouldn't exchange off the shelf

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

@@TheRetiredtech I would have quickly called their corporate offices. If I'm trying to fix my car so I can get it running to get to/from work or have to get to a mechanic to do my repair job for 10x the price, & ACE wants to settle a small claims court case, it will cost them more in the end. It wouldn't be my first such small claims case that I won. They seem to want to take the money but delay the guarantee. It is a guarantee, not a warranty. Their corporate legal office know the meaning of words. There is no small print for "at their discretion" either. Challenge it.

[@iamthewelcher]

Ooh your damn right they will!! Lol

[@danielyoder1462]

@@JunkMailBoxStuff ah yes the classic "my lawyer will be in touch" guy. Always a pleasure to deal with when an employee is just trying to do their job and you don't get you're way. Kinda reminds me of my 6 year old nephew

[@brentblack5025]

I liked how when you were walking up you could see "Made in USA" Unfortanately you didn't leave with any tools that had that stamp.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I have rebuilt these junk ratchets dozens of times. Honestly these were crappy ratchets when brand new. They always broke and failed. The screwdrivers had a lot of heat treating issues that cause them to bend when removing or installing a screw and strip them out. Just because they stamp USA on mass produced Junk doesn't make it a treasure. The first time I broke a ratchet(not abusing) I took it in and the guy put it in a box of 40 others and handed me a new one. He said that was just this weeks haul and they had a 55gallon drum that was dumped on a monthly basis in the back. I stopped using these crude ratchets 15+ years ago after numerous rebuilds/swaps. I'll take a working tool for a broken tool any day. I expected these to be cheaply made in comparison from the USA made stuff. I was wrong. I took them home and put them side by side my Craftsman USA tools. These Taiwan/Chinese Craftsman are the nicest and best built Craftsman tools I have ever had in my hands. Everything about the fit, finish and function is flawless. My USA made Craftsman now look and feel like dollar store tools in comparison. These 3rd world countries are kicking our butts and making far better stuff than we ever did and we should take that as a wake up call. Apparently there are no real men left in America to build tools without complaining about union wages, working conditions, long hours, and health coverage. Shame on lazy American workers for allowing this.

[@brentblack5025]

@@sixtyfiveford I agree with most of your comment with the exception of a couple things. I never thought any craftsman tool was a treasure, and I definately don't think third world countries are kicking our butt in innovating technology and creating product. They are great at intellectual theft and cheap manufacturing but you should blame our government for over regulation instead of blaming your fellow American worker.

[@sixtyfiveford]

@@brentblack5025 Third world countries are stupid and I give them no credit for innovating. They just build what we tell them to build; essentially glorified slavery on a different continent. But this isn't a bad thing. We no longer farm fields with horses or mules, dig mine shafts with pickaxes and shovels, and now we no longer need factory workers doing jobs that destroy their bodies. Pretty much the only manual labor jobs Americans do are those that can be done with proper tooling/machinery to make the jobs as enjoyable and easy as possible. It's a win-win. We get better products for less, our dollars are stretched further so we have to work less hard, we are able to enjoy things like vacations, and we have longer life spans with far less workplace injuries. These factories didn't uproot and move overseas due to regulations. They did so because they have endless job openings that they cannot fill and cannot meet the consumers demand here in the US. The last few generations that are supposed to take these jobs have said no they deserve better, so we're left with older generations working the last few remaining factory jobs.

[@WildDisaster]

​@@sixtyfiveford Did you really just sh!t on your fellow countrymen for wanting a living wage, the ability to save for their future, healthcare to survive/quality of life, the right to a safe workplace, etc.? WTF? Go read a history book or watch a youtube video on how Americans had to literally fight for their jobs in the street when corporate bosses used the local police to imprison them for asking for their fair wage. MLK, Jr.'s last march was for garbage workers who were asking for equal pay. Go see how safety regulations were a direct cause of corporate America not giving a damn about the line worker. How many Americans ended uo with lung cancer bc of asbestos, lead in paint, etc.? BTW, it was the penny pinching boardroom of Sears that drove it into the ground. Look up former Sears CEO Eddie Lampert and see how creditors in the Sears bankruptcy filings are alleging his raping of Sears while he took record salary and bonuses, and that he drove into the ground so that he could sell the assets back to himself at a lowball rate. Shame on you for shilling the corporate executive's propaganda that the American working class doesn't deserve a share of the pie from the nation that they literally built. Your comment is disgusting.

[@WildDisaster]

@@sixtyfiveford My father is dying, besieged by both emphysema and a metastatic colon cancer that’s migrated to his lungs. I shudder in recognition because I’ve nearly been killed twice by raging diseases: An unusually aggressive prostate cancer, and an uncontrollable ulcerative colitis..... Dad slammed drums in and out of the blaster, a bellowing beast that flensed 55-gallon steel drums to bare metal by bombarding them with steel shot. Dust devils reeled and squalled as shot pummeled the filthy barrels. All my father wore for protection was a pair of plastic goggles. Respirators, in those days, were for sissies...When Dad got home from work each day, my mother used a magnet to draw specks of steel shot from his eyes, ears and nose as he hacked up the day’s black work into his handkerchief. When he was hospitalized in 1980 with a work-caused lung infection, his doctors first thought he had tuberculosis.... Then there was the Bleak Lagoon, that bleeding manmade pond, its surface all braids and scales of paint and oil, caustics and solvents. It was all silt and slurry, scum and sludge. All this lethal offal seeped and oozed into the ground, into the rills and runnels that flowed beneath our town, where we all drank well-water. Though K.S.D. is long gone, the land made Superfund-clean, a creek still runs through the south side of the site. It’s where the men used to cool their beer in summer, and it still flows under Route 125 and into a 23-acre marsh that eventually gives way to Country Pond, where people fish, swim and own waterfront cottages. Caustic rinse water was dumped for years into a dry well next to that creek, where the trees died and no birds sang. Excerpts from Dana Jen ings writing about his dying father and the effects of working in hazardous conditions at Kingston Steel Drum. The well water is contaminated. I just wanted to remind you how ignorant you truly are about "real men" and what the good ol days were about.

[@datahub1481]

I had the same GREAT experience with a Craftsman ratchet swap at Lowes!! Super easy!! No problems!!

[@linkstale]

I’ve been doing this for a while and love it. Lowe’s customer service is great

[@big6pun07]

I stay beside a ghetto lowes the would not have replaced one tool unless it was the exact same model

[@sixtyfiveford]

Lowe's has been effortless with Kobalt tools and it looks like they carried over the same customer service with Craftsman.

[@asadb1990]

yeah if the customer service, supervisor and/or the person working in tools was an immigrant chances are very good they would get out of replacing tools you are allowed to do. because a lot of them but not all treat store like their own. which is messed up. i usually gave more flexibility when i worked for retail stores.

[@bradcrooks3891]

@@outlaw7195 i just took two ratchets back that I bought in the 90's and lowes exchange them with new ones,all they did was ask for a drivers license.

[@LordHolley]

Agree, 2 Lowe's in my area, both have earned my repeat business.

[@DAS-Videos]

I am amazed at this. I feel like I wouldn't have good luck. They opened that package of tools to pull out a few? Craftsman and Lowes/Ace for the win! I miss Sears.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I didn't really ask them I just told them what I was going to do. Before they could really question it I cut open the package and took out the pieces that I wanted and put the crappy ones in their place.

[@1995dresser]

I remember when sears used to give you the guts to rebuild the ratchet if it broke

[@lazerbeam3928]

Many yeas ago I worked in Sears tool department part time. I used to rebuild the broken ratchets on the spot. The department manager loved this as he was charged either the cost of new ratchet or in my case the cost of the repair kit against his annual profit. Obviously a $5 repair kit versus a $20+ ratchet added up to quite a bit of change over a year.

[@bipedalbob]

Team once upon a time they just gave you a brand new Rachet, then no warranty on handbook that weren't a wrench wratchet or screwdriver, even though there was a 3 ft. High sign on the wall saying all craftsmen tools 100% guaranteed. Cutting back, towards the end they were even selling returned used tools as new, easy to tell from the dishevelled packaging and dirty tools, more cutbacks, they cutback all the way to bankruptcy.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@bipedalbob, yeah... The Sears demise...😕 how did they manage to ruin what seemed like such a good thing? To this day, when I see a display for. Craftsman Tools, I turn away like looking away from seeing a grotesque scene... Every difficult job in my life seems to have had a poor performing Craftsman tool in my hand, that worsened the trouble I was working to repair. My new thinking is, I don't want a warranty, I want my tools to work well... Then, I discovered the magic of high quality tools like NAPA Carlyle ratcheting combination wrenches, and Bondhus hex drivers, Wera, Wiha... And a few others... New life for me, grab tool, TOOL WORKS AS EXPECTED. I have some old craftsman stuff that I might trade in someday, to then give the replacement as a gift, I'm just not sure I hate anyone enough to give them a Craftsman tool as a gift 😐

[@bipedalbob]

@@AverageNiceGuy I bought a lot of craftsman tools in my teens and 20's, but that was 40 years ago, they were made in the US and the warranty was good, the tools were decent, and there was a lot bigger selection, but some pencil in charge started whittling away at the company in general and run it into the ground.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

yep, I lived through the demise. I'm old enough have done the same thing :-) I remember walking into the Sears tool section over and over again, feeling the confusion, - what happened to the good thing that once was here?" :-) I've inherited some once believed to be decent quality Craftsman products from my grandfather and father, it's just the combination of age, wear and tear,.... tools abused by my father :-) To then come to the realization of much of my work trouble has come from poor performing tools, and nothing of my fault or lack of knowledge .. oh, I think I need a drink now.... Heh, I think I'm beginning to think that a good quality hand tool is like hugging a beautiful woman :-)

[@vincentclemente8405]

Lots of luck , both of the local Lowes stores where I live on Long Island would not accept returns on my Ratchet handles. At both store the said they would do replacements only with the exact series my wrenches were about 10 years old and and that series is no longer made. Contacted Craftsman service and was basicely told oh well buy new wrenches. Won't make the mistake of buying Craftsman again

[@sixtyfiveford]

Craftman will send you a new one or send you a check for the value.

[@timshutts8485]

Lowe’s refused to exchange my broken ratchet unless it was the EXACT same model number. Ace exchanged it for me.

[@WCGwkf]

I'd make a call to corporate, they're definitely breaking the warranty rules. If lifetime warranty was void because a 3/8 ratchet changed model numbers because they're making them look different then it wouldn't be a lifetime warranty

[@122ffsdd]

If the tool is no longer made lowes needs to get you the similar one. I've had issues with Ace cause they require the receipt to warranty the tool

[@WCGwkf]

@@122ffsdd requiring receipts is the dumbest thing ever. Who the hell keeps old receipts for old ass tools? I can barely keep track of a receipt for something I bought yesterday. It's just a way for then to try to weasel their way out of a replacement.

[@CaptainVillanueva1]

I had the same problem but at Ace. If they don't have the identical one they claimed they couldn't do it

[@sixtyfiveford]

You can always call Craftsman directly and they will mail you a new tool.

[@MoPoppins]

Didn’t know they would open a multi pack to give you select items in it for replacement. All good to know. Thanks, Moe! 👍

[@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci]

Some lowes do some dont my lowes dont. But you could always do this if they b#&@* about it not having the complete set. Buy the kit, have them warranty the kit, then return the kit. Haha I literally spent like $600 of tools when sears was shutting down and like $120 of warranty they did sure replace everything

[@kmcwhq]

I bet all the leftovers in the multi pack eventually gets thrown in the scrap bin

[@PrezVeto]

@@kmcwhq Such a damn waste. Don't be a dick, everyone. Just go where they're sold individually.

[@lRandomThoughts]

Thank you, I was wondering if the Passover to Lowe's would carry over with Craftsman

[@einsteincasino8539]

Thanks for this! I didn't know they were honoring the warranty at Lowes!! Great Video!!

[@wizard3z868]

call or chk first some do some dont and if you have an ace tell them you tried the other play against each other tell them you are hoping for better customer service tht worked as well 4 me

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

When I did vinyl siding years ago sears was a godsend. Anytime you wanted a new tape you just snip it and bring it in. The cutters we used when they got dull bring them in no questions asked

[@DavesShop]

I have been using Craftsman for 50 years and love them

[@kellyreid8230]

Good luck in Canada, I got a no go on warranty, had call in to craftsman in the US. Warranty was sent in the mail.

[@waltschannel7465]

It's been that way in the US as well at some locations, at least right after Black and Decker bought the Craftsman name from Sears, and no retailer was sure if they would support warranty swaps.

[@nnamerz]

Which store did you try that rejected the warranty?

[@kellyreid8230]

Lowes in Whitby .

[@guyfarano7372]

Lowe’s in lethbridge was a no go for a broken socket, just got a run around

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's unfortunate.

[@mitchtalmadge]

When you showed the Lowes I was like... Wow, either every Lowes looks exactly the same or you are visiting pretty much the one and only Lowes I go to. Then I saw the highway and then the Ace Hardware.. yep! A fellow Utahan I guess your Utes hoodie is a bit of a giveaway.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome!

[@BrokenRRT]

I needed this video. Had no idea it was so easy and still possible.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Some Lowes have stopped all tool returns without a receipt according to comments. If one shuts you down just try another. Too many garage sale guys trying to cash in boxes of old working tools for new to sell on Ebay. I remember a manager at Sears 3 years ago chasing a guy out and me being next in line to exchange a broken something. She said at least a few times a week these groups of people with their wife and children all come in one after another with handfuls of working tools just to trade for new. I guess the guy she kick out had a box of 100+ sockets he wanted all new kits for. This abuse will ruin it for everyone with an honest broken tool.

[@christopherfedor5477]

I went in with my broken Kobalt tool that had a lifetime warranty. It was about a year ago. They would not trade out and gave me store credit for the last discount they had it on before discontuation. I couldn't buy a coke. I will never trust there guarantees again. I had to escalate to corporate for months to get a replacement tool. I had the original packaging with the warranty written on it. The tool was purchased within six months but I switched credit cards. The desk person told me that's what I get.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I've heard Kobalt/Lowes doing this. It's not right and I hope there is a class action suit against them for this deception of "No Hassle Warranty".

[@johnharrison2466]

Thanks,because after sears went out of buisness,I didnt have a clue of where to get a replacement I have two 3/8" drive rachets that busted now im going to start finding the broke ones Thank You so Much for the Info you got another Sub

[@evilutionltd]

Jeez, if you tried to pull that in the UK, you'd be jumping through hoops for months. First they'd want the receipts, then they'd want you to contact the manufacturer directly, then the manufacturer would want you to post the tools for inspection, they would claim half of them were abused even if they weren't, then they'd expect you to pay postage to receive everything back.

[@xlfive]

I use Halfords and the professional range has a lifetime warranty,to be honest I’ve only ever managed to break one tool from the Halfords range and that was a 6mm Allen socket,Halfords were spot on no receipt use swapped it out

[@corvettefever360]

Ummm. ..the true reality is that's how it really works in most places in the US too. This is a extremely rare, if not staged experience

[@monstersofthemidway7125]

Sears got really crappy with the tool exchange policy when I went there the last time about 2-3 years ago. I brought in one older but more expensive (non-standard) 3/8" drive ratchet. The lady behind the desk dug through her refurbished tool box and pulled out a refurbished lower end 3/8" drive ratchet and said "here you go." When I complained, telling her that my broken ratchet cost me more than the standard ratchet she was giving me. She would not budge! I told her I want to talk to the manager. He came out, asked me what I want and then told me to go to the rack and pick out the new ratchet that you want. Like I said, Sears was not customer friendly right before they sold the Craftsman brand to Stanley.

[@SumDumGy]

*Black and Decker

[@monstersofthemidway7125]

@@SumDumGy Stanley/Black & Decker

[@mikesweeney4443]

That’s good to see, I got a huge runaround with the same process at the “Texas City, Texas” Lowe’s. It took a huge argument before the honored there warranty...and I had the original receipt! This store management is a problem anyway. Have had warranty and delivery issues on appliances, zero turn mower, lumber etc. anyway....great video.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Unreal.

[@RJB_FixinStuff]

Agreed! They all break! Warrantee swaps are pain but I've never had an issue with Harbor freight they even swapped out a couple things they probably shouldn't have! Even power tools but I usually get the extended warranty on anything over $60!

[@sixtyfiveford]

The unfortunate thing about Harbor Freight is now they are requiring you to surrender all your driver incense details so they can track your warranty returns. This was about a month ago for a pair of Beaman vice grips I purchased and just wanted swapped.

[@TheSAMMY79]

i use to be hesitant on replacement tools stuff with no recipe but lifetime warranty....but after seeing ur video....i have more confident now ...tnx for sharing...

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@jimsmith9931]

I took my 20 year old craftsman broken torque wrench into Ace hardware and swapped for brand new one. ($90 value)

[@marcellemay7721]

I have a 1/2" craftsman torque wrench, sitting on my bench, that I was just about to throw out. I'm gonna go try to return it. It's gotta be at least 30yrs old. But in all honesty it really hadn't worked right for the past 20. The ratchet doesn't catch in forward mode, works fine in reverse.

[@shawbros]

I thought torque wrenches were one of the few exceptions to the lifetime warranty.

[@davidison3905]

It was only a year warranty on torque wrenches. I still have one from 1985 that I use as a breaker bar after it quit clicking and I sheared a head bolt.

[@googleusergp]

@@shawbros Yes, you are correct. However, sometimes you're able to get one exchanged by an employee who doesn't know or just does the right thing.

[@f.demascio1857]

The swivel inside the handle is a "feature." LOL

[@sixtyfiveford]

It's an annoying feature.

[@PFab]

I heard it's better on your wrist.

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

I've been through over 100 Craftsman tape measures over the years. Only paid for 2. 👍

[@bigblockin427]

they stopped making them 10ish years ago and dicked everyone with Stanley's and then Sears goes tits up and then they start selling them again

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

LMAO we used to snip ours when we wanted the newer better ones.

[@davesimpson2586]

Back in the 1970's I returned a 45 year old 1/4 in. ratchet, that my grandfather had, to Sears. It was so different in style that the clerk said he had never seen one of those before and he had worked at Sears for 20 years. He took a new one off the rack and handed it to me. I still have the "new" ratchet almost 50 years later. I have a No. 2 Philips screw driver I bought in the 1960's that I used every day as an appliance repair man. It fits most every size philips screw and works like a champ!

[@claudeclayton2840]

Thanks bro I got plenty damaged craftsman tools and now I know what to do. You da man.

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Excellent job with Lowe’s. Had no idea!

[@RodderFiles]

Perfect, Sears always did good on theres we use to bring junkyard finds yard sale tools , swapped ez , imma have to go thru my box now lol

[@luvdady]

yeah craftsman are just overpriced stanley tools , the old ones probably better then the new ones

[@bizim_eller]

Rodder files, let me guess, you vote republican! Eh?

[@roybaker6902]

@@bizim_eller Probably so, what use would a Democrat have for tools?incapable of fixing anything.

[@bizim_eller]

@@roybaker6902 a democrat would have pride, dignity, morals, and self respect. And would never swap a junk from a garage sale... You're so right about the democrats not being able to fix things, they were unable to fix the crooked minds of republicans😒

[@roybaker6902]

@@bizim_eller Morals??? Hahaha, stop it you're killing me.

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

You're lucky . The official Lowes policy is to ONLY replace the tools with the exact same part number only . That what management told me at 2 separate Lowes but it might depend on the store. However I still have 2 Sears near me. I do agree that All tools break, because ive broken them all too .

[@simplywonderful449]

Unfortunately, Sears seemed to do that in their last days too, which may have sped up their demise. That, and it seems that they sold the same socket set, for example, but gave it a different part number to dodge having to accept a return of the earlier part!

[@VialiSamuhagu]

I brought in a 230 piece socket and ratchet set! No questions asked, found a suitable replacement, and walked out. Did I mention that the socket set I had came from a home liquidation for free, and were flooded at one point and every piece was ruined. That was a good day.

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

I buy craftsman tools at tag sales/ flea market cheap and return them and get new ones. Funny I used to work at a company in Colorado Springs,Colorado back in 1973 and ran a machine that drilled the holes in adjustable wrenches. Now I appreciate and always will use craftsman tools for their return policy and being well made. Had a few small 3/8 racket wrenches that didn’t hold up long. Nice video and now to return some rackets !!! Thanks

[@MikeCris]

I have a Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver that started slipping. I called Snap-On...they asked for the serial number and promptly sent a replacement.

[@alb12345672]

@D Early They have real competition now. A HF open here practically next door bordering an non fenced parking lot) of a Ford/Subaru dealership. The Techs live in there. If something breaks it is replaced in minutes. I heard they have an employee who takes care of them. One tech told me there are some tools from HF that are BETTER than the tool trucks. He said even if a snap on ratchet is a somewhat better, what cost can you put on getting replacements so fast?

[@MrSloika]

Local Snap-on truck guy will tell you to f*** off if you don't have a receipt a an account with him.

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Tried this at the Lowes in town, they flat out refused to honor the Sears warranty, said they had to have a Lowes receipt to honor warranty. This was from the store manager.

[@ebutuoyebutouy]

Manager's a jerk. They are supposed to. Generally Ace Tools is the best.

[@remfj40]

Had a similar response from Lowes as well. the no hassle warranty is terrible. I shop at Home Depot now.

[@1995dresser]

I believe Stanley tool still owns the Craftsman name I would contact their customer service and tell them what's going on

[@zombietoolshed409]

Same here... I have had a lot of problems with the local lowes. No receipt no return or exchange. No matter what the warranty said.

[@DAVIDWTCS]

They refused to replace a Kobalt impact wrench because I didn't have a receipt. What good is a lifetime warranty if you have to keep the receipt? How many people keep receipts for every tool purchase forever? Their warranty is useless.

[@MAᲽTER]

Found this video paused it after you left Lowe’s, I went to Lowe’s and walked out with a new ratchet. Now I’m back here resuming the video😂

[@meatloaf666999]

HAHAHAH! Hell yeah! I damn near did the same thing. lol

[@smithfamilydesigns2012]

Really glad to see this actually. I have a few old Craftsman tools that need to be swapped as well. Nearest Lowes is too far, but there is an Ace about 30 min from me.

[@dalen.8413]

Here at the Westland, Michigan Lowe’s store, they would not exchange the 3/8 rachet. They claimed it was a different model number and refused the exchange.

[@sixtyfiveford]

They have a leaflet from Stanley/Craftsman that lets them know how to handle non identical part numbers. It gives them details on how to exchange for similar tools. You can always call Craftsman directly and they should mail you a replacement.

[@73honda350]

Once upon a time when I needed a tool - hand or power - I just went Sears with no shopping around and bought craftsman. Everything american made. Great warranty. Good to know others still standing behind craftsman, which is now owned by black&decker/stanley.

[@whatfreedom7]

They also own Mac. I had a older husky tool box that said Stanley on the box so no telling what all they make.

[@StrayCatHomestead]

Fully agree. It was Sears for Craftsman because they were solid and had huge selections. Only the super cool kids overpaid at Snapon or Matco or whatever it's called. I'm sure those two have a place for heavy mechanics but I always saw it as Avon or Pampered Chef for dudes. Pass.

[@lindah6954]

I worked for SEARS HARDWARE when I was 18 and we would give you a rebuilt socket wrench, but if a customer wanted a new one and bitched. We had to give them a new one. lol

[@XXXonly69]

Using a rebuilt socket wrench is called knuckle busters . That’s why they bitched .

[@sixtyfiveford]

I would generally ask for the kit itself but generally just demanded a new one.

[@lindah6954]

@@sixtyfiveford I will when I get a chance. Going to Lowe's is not on my priorities list with this crap going around. I limit my time going anywhere right now.

[@lindah6954]

@@sixtyfiveford I will when I get a chance. Going to Lowe's is not on my priorities list with this crap going around. I limit my time going anywhere right now.

[@old64goat]

I never knew this, since SEARS went out I thought that was it.

[@MikeCris]

Watch...now that Craftsman is being sold in Lowes and Ace (among others), sales will double.

[@OcRefrig]

Me Too ! Definately good to know.

[@sixtyfiveford]

The whole demise of Sears was based on the fact that they decided to move towards apparel and away from stuff like tools and appliances. Their whole softer side of the Sears slogan didn't pan out and they didn't invest in marketing new tools to consumers. I'm sure with Stanley in charge of Craftsman now they'll market them and come out with new tools that make us just want to keep buying.

[@rickd1369]

I returned a 9 year old kobalt tape measure to Lowe’s, it took some upspeak but she ultimately gave it to me.

[@DAVIDWTCS]

@@sixtyfiveford When Bob Villa was selling those gimmicky Craftsman tools on TV on Sunday afternoons, I thought that was the end of Craftsman. My only complaint is I have to trade a USA made tool for a Chinese tool.

[@TheFlacker99]

When my local Sears closed my first concern was that 90% of my tools are Craftsman. Good to know that I can still get them replaced when (or if) they do break.

[@sixtyfiveford]

It is reassuring to know.

[@jarodmorris611]

My brother got our grandfather's 1/2 inch Snap on ratchet from the 60s or 70s when our grandfather's passed away. It was stripped out. He called snap on, they have him the number to the regional salesman who told my brother where to meet him. It was rebuilt in the truck. The salesman said it was cool to get to see one of the old ones.

[@MattMorris481]

I just hope my Lowe’s is that easy, I have a sneaking suspicion they are not!

[@bkoz319]

lowes sucks always disorganized

[@ZenithClarity]

I bought a brand new 500.00 honda push mower from lowes that the self propelled clutch went out on it after only 3 months and they would not order me a new one. They finally gave me a display model after i said i wanted my money back. Very shady. All depends on your particular lowes.

[@kevinjackson5654]

@@ZenithClarity Lowes return policy is 30 days after that warranties are covered by the company who made it..

[@ZenithClarity]

@@kevinjackson5654 Doesnt matter. You sell me a 500.00 push mower and the transmission goes out after 3 months on less than 6 total hrs. of use! There is a problem. I dont care what their return policy is. That is not right. It reverts to the manufacture? OK, fine. But neither Lowes Or Honda would give me a new one. NOT RIGHT! I treat my stuff right. There is no excuse for poor customer service!

[@MrSkeltal268]

@@ZenithClarity Did you call Honda? Usually there’s a slip in the package that says “do not return to the retailer if there is a problem, call us” or something.

[@abdonmorales7361]

I like to go to the flea markets there you can find some good old USA made tools and cheap

[@sheldonbrunn6445]

I like to find tools in the junk cars @ the junk yard swap the broken ones for new

[@smcic]

Dang I’m gonna go replace a ton of tools now. I did not know this!

[@ChrisNCars]

Yup, I think mine are, “worn out” too! Thanks for showing how easy this is.

[@sixtyfiveford]

All the ratchets had broken pals and one had a broken retainer ball. The screwdrivers all had broken tips; they were reshaped a few times, but are never the same without proper tempering.

[@jimharney1047]

The employees at Lowes always give me problems, and usually get an bad attitude about replacing tools. They not only compare the tools appearance but also the numbers on them. I guess that the think the new ones will have the exact same numbers as my 30 year old craftsman tools. They always tell me that lowes replacement policy is that the tools must match exactly. I agree that if your replacing a 3/8 ratchet, the new one should be a 3/8 ratchet. But when I just tried to replace my broken 3/8 socket adapter with a new 3/8 one, the lady said they didnt match exactly, because the numbers on them were different. I told her that I wanted to speak to a manager. So the manager came and said the same thing, and added that lowes would not get credit from craftsman when they sent it back. So the manager passed me off onto the lady who worked in tools- so she could leave and not have to deal with me. The lady in the tool department, was an experienced older lady, and told both the service desk and the manager that the tool can be replaced. She told them that tools were the same and lowes does not return tools for credit. But throws them into the trash. Boy, they were not happy about what she said! Even though this lady wasn't a manager, she got on them and they listened!

[@BigIron_06]

I asked customer service in my local Lowe's in Alabama and unless I bought the tools from them I have to trade my tools in online.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Must have been a misinformed cashier. Lowe's has had Kobalt tools for years so they're used to the no questions asked unconditional lifetime warranty.

[@garythibeault168]

Same thing in Maine! Ugh

[@sixtyfiveford]

@@garythibeault168 These cashiers aren't replacing tools all the time so they're not completely used to it. You just have to assume the sale. Walk in grab what you want take it up to the returns desk and just hand them the old one walk out with the new one.

[@stockton209ent]

@@sixtyfiveford so just bring in old craftsman? No receipt or damage necessary?

[@sixtyfiveford]

@@stockton209ent It has to be damaged/non working.

[@davestech6357]

When I worked at Sears we got full commission on the returned tools and got .01 on the ones that were repaired.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That actually explains a lot. Last time I went in there I sweet talked the guy into letting me trade a straight ratchet for flex head that was another $30. He traded it out and said what it was pain it was to rebuild them.

[@billcrowley4882]

@@sixtyfiveford not that hard to rebuild them. I have taken rusty and damaged ratchets and rebuild what I could and put the other back together and then take them back to Sears for replacement.

[@alexdelgadojr7718]

You made me regret selling my old toolbox when I upgraded to a bigger one. Lots of cool stickers/memories lost.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked it.

[@DavidDrummondTX]

I was a mechanic at Sears back when they did full service work before the big switch to just the simple repairs. As such I aquired quite a bit of craftsman tools because I could swap them right there if I broke one. I still have them all, and have a couple of ratchets broken internally. Good to know I can now get them replaced.

[@wakeupamerica4610]

I tried this with only a 3/8 ratchet and a 1/2 in open end ratchet wrench....2 items....lowes told me "no they do not replace craftsmen tools".im glad it worked for you.

[@johnn2557]

The Lowes by me claims that they have to charge me tax on the warranty exchange item? the girl said it's Lowes policy? I went to Ace hardware and they laughed when I told them what happen at Lowes!

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's strange.

[@shawbros]

I'd take her name down and get a confirmation on that policy by a store manager. If the manager says differently, then that girl needs to be corrected. If the manager agrees, then they will both need correcting.

[@jeremydavis2595]

Seems to be a lot of wrongly trained employees at some stores.

[@jeremydavis2595]

As time goes on they will get it all worked out

[@googleusergp]

How do you charge tax on a zero value item? You are in theory doing an exchange, not a purchase. I'd call corporate Lowes and ask about that. As others have said, there's a lot of out of the know employees there. I'm not a fan of most big box stores, I use them but only when I have to.

[@TrevorVera]

Time to collect all my broken ones now and do some swapping

[@jigga2jones]

Thank you for making this video !!!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulnipper4071]

Happy to hear .... I've got Craftsman from 40 years ago ....I used to sell them when I worked for Sears

[@sixtyfiveford]

Sears pre the late 90's was a great company.

[@SillyPutty3700]

I am really impressed. When our local ace hardware started carrying crapsman tools the tool guy there told me specifically they were not allowed to exchange the tools from sears. They said even if they looked the same they had different part numbers. The local lowes store wouldn't do it when I attempted to return replace a socket a couple of years ago they told me I had to return the entire set. That was the end of me purchasing crapsman.

[@sixtyfiveford]

ACE is all independently owned and each location makes their own rules.

[@saskprepper1937]

just got a heeler myself, get ready to buy balls in bulk and just a little heads up, never let them near the garbage lid, mine MAKES me play frisbee with it for hours..

[@josh7120]

For hours you say? XD I'm lucky you get to even play with your dog! Our germanshephards are too sketchy to movements lol

[@hdrjunkie]

Lol I had a red tick named Sam, yes we had to buy a gay age can with a lid that latched so he could t get in it to snack, had to feed him in a separate room from the other two dogs because he would gobble his down then try to bully them into giving up their food... still what a great dog despite the bad behavior... and the constant barking and baying at everything and everything! Lol

[@not2fast4u2c]

You got some nice new tools ...I swear if I tried that at my local Lowes they would have called security or just flat out rudely told me NO

[@survivalisthomestead714]

Then they are not following company policy. If you bring in a craftsman hand tool they will replace it with a like craftsman tool or give you a number to call if they don't carry that type of tool. If the employees give you a problem ask for the assistant manager, it shouldn't be an issue.

[@gmpny3945]

I tried to return a ratchet at a NY Lowes and it was a no go without a receipt. They told me to go to Sears. They were also rude.

[@danhammond8406]

@@gmpny3945 welcome to New York.....

[@btimbyindy]

@@danhammond8406 Confirmed. I used to do telephone support for nynex ISDN (internet) service, among other providers nationwide. The pissed off New Yorkers were in a league of their own.

[@toddholton9156]

I've had good luck with Lowes I broke a 5/8 ratchet wrench they asked me to bring the whole Kobalt wrench set and replaced it with a new set

[@hotbam37]

I just bought the big 200+ piece kobalt socket and ratchet set from lowes, I didn't look to see if it had a warranty. Do they do this for all kobalt tools? I never knew

[@justinstafford8945]

Wish I could post a picture of my receipt for my latest Sears warranty return adventure. I took in over $1200 worth of old ratchets, sockets and screwdriver and for even the sockets that were rusty, they allowed me to swap them out for a different tool if they didn’t have the exact size so I was given huge 30+ millimeter wrenches for random sockets. I felt like I was stealing even though I was given permission to do so. The receipts totaled close to $1300 for the few trips I made. Love my local Sears

[@jpolar394]

You were very lucky with the screwdrivers. I had 5 Snap on screwdrivers all with disintegrated handles and I found out what day the Snap on truck would be at the local pep boys store. I went on the day he was there and I brought the drivers with me, showed him the drivers and he refused to exchange them because I didn't buy them from him. He told me to send or bring them to the Snap on regional office for a replacement.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's been my experience with Snap-on. I won't spend money with them anymore.

[@oby-1607]

At Canadian Tire if you don't cough up the receipt, they show you the door. That's why its called Crappy Tire. I never shop there, ever.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That stinks.

[@bobsoft]

Interesting. I have never had that problem, as long as you can read "Mastercraft" on the hand tool its a lifetime warranty.

[@robqwertyuipp8750]

Canadian tire tools are all Chinese junk now !!! I use to buy all there tools many years ago when they were actually good quality! The tools fall apart now ,all crap! And alot of there new tools they are too embarrassed to put the master craft name on! Took a hacksaw in for warranty replacement, they took the hask saw blade out before they gave it to me! Put my old blade in and it broke when I tried to tighten it up ! That hacksaw lasted 10 seconds!

[@bobsoft]

@@robqwertyuipp8750 Yes I agree totally. Their tools are no better than Princess Auto. That is why I now buy Timken Tools

[@brandonlee3892]

Wtf. Are people over there supposed to keep a file of receipts somewhere for the rest of their lives?

[@leatherchopper]

I have a Penney’s 1/2” socket set. I wonder how that would go. Nothing has broken yet in 45 years

[@Ijustpiddle]

My dad had a JCP's 3/8 and 1/4 inch socket set. He dropped the 1/4" socket and it fell through the boards on our deck. He crawled under and couldn't find it. He went to JCP and told what happened and they gave him a new 1/4" socket.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Back when the customer was appreciated. But also when the customer was honest.

[@JonathanWhoever]

Homedepot told me my broken Husky ratchet would have to be sent in for warranty approval after I buy a new one.

[@stangman1268]

that's ridiculous because on their website it states replacement without receipt.

[@JonathanWhoever]

@@stangman1268 They say thats the way it has to be done because that ratchet is not stocked at stores anymore. Its not much $$$, but its the principle. I once swapped out a pair of side cutters. The cashier requested the original receipt. I kindly explained the tool was older than the building we were standing in.

[@Swoop180]

A year or so ago I took my Taylor 414ce in to have it restrung, the Luthier stated i could probably use a tweaking on the action and since I never had it set up i told him to go ahead. The ensuing string buzz really pissed me off and there happened to be a MAC salesman at our terminal so I went to buy an appropriate sized socket and miniature ratchet to keep in my case, $90.00 later i was eve more pissed! My father always praised Craftsman tools over all others specifically for the warranty and that experience made me understand why, they're great with their warranty and it seems like Lowe's will keep with that tradition!

[@aaragon6866]

I think it depends on the store and manager on duty; I tried returning a Husky tire gauge at Home Depot. My local one wouldn't do it because they no longer carried exact one so I said I would settle for one close to original but no luck. When I was at another Home Depot, I thought I would give a try and I got a new one.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I found you can never ask, just tell. I walk in grab the new same or similar item and walk up the customer service. I have never went in where a single person knew how to handle it and they always ask for help. It's always that persons first time having someone warranty something. I tell them what they are going to do. Again no asking. If they balk, I point to the unconditional lifetime warranty verbiage on the package and keep doing that. I've never been turned away doing it this way. During this transaction at Lowes it took 3 people and none of them knew the policy clearly and just did what I told them. I started cutting open the screwdriver pack and they looked shocked, but they did it.

[@harryporter3531]

Damn right Bro! But, just a pointless fyi, in the recent last days of Sears, I liked getting the rebuilt replacement ratchets because they were repaired in the U.S. vs new made in China (not all styles).

[@StrayCatHomestead]

It was over 15 years ago I exchanged my last craftsman tool. I remember they had a 55 gallon steel drum they tossed them in through the bung hole. Sorry, that's what's it's called. Would be funnier if it was the fart hole I suppose.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm sure they just toss them in the garbage now.

[@c.j.cleveland7475]

@@sixtyfiveford Used to be they would either send them back to the factory or have the local rep check them to see what had broken. They'd use that info to make upgrades or change the manufacturing process to solve the problem. Now, who knows. 🤷‍♂️

[@lynnh7694]

You got the ones from China . In my opinion, you lost $180 dollar's on that deal. Cool video!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Not bashing USA stuff but this is the nicest Craftsman stuff I've ever had in my hands. The USA made ratchets broke by the millions, to the point were every Sears has a 55 gallon drum of them they'd dispose of on a bi monthly basis.

[@denniscox9277]

I work at Lowe's as well and we are always getting the China craftsman back and broken,, doesn't matter to most people other than the one's that have busted their knuckles when they brake...

[@jeffvogel5982]

Look on eBay and you will see that the older Craftsman tools are selling for way more than the newer junk. I flip cars and use my tools and I would much rather have my old USA RHFT. Good to know that if I bust a socket I can swap it. Thanks

[@craighansen7594]

You have a good point, I should just take the time to regrind the tips or repurpose them as picks and scrapers. I don't want to create any more demand for the Chinese made tools than I can help. I don't dislike the Chinese people, it's the CCP that profits heavily from buying their exports.

[@kermitefrog64]

My dad bought me a set of Craftsman tools in 1980 for a graduation present. I only had one socket go out when it split and it was replaced. I will continue to buy Craftsman if they have a full Lifetime Warranty. They are the best tools I ever had.

[@xr500t]

WoW! that's awesome! I went to both Lowes and ACE.....everyone I spoke to, were soooo confused. I'm just going to go in with my replacement requests!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Cashiers aren't used to doing tool swaps. So they are always unsure about the process. If you question them, they questions themselves and always play it on the safe side; which is refusing your request. You just need to grab the new tools and take them to the counter with the old and tell them to exchange. If they question you about the legitimacy, you're in charge and tell them how it is.

[@rrt08]

Why would anyone trade in USA WF made Craftsman, they just needed cleaning.

[@ironsticksportinggoodsllc2417]

Well as a full time mechanic I have busted many brands of tools as many other brands. Usually the teeth strip out in heavy use. Just seems what happens in my case.

[@sixtyfiveford]

They were cheaply made, mass produced to start with. A foreign made machine pumped these out by the millions and other than the machine being located in the US when it pumped it out, there's nothing USA made about them. If they were made by hand with American sweat they wouldn't have broken so easily. They're painful to use by today's standards and really have no place in a modern mechanics tool box. YES, I will trade broken junk for a working tool, no matter where is was made, any day.

[@normhodgkinson6965]

Can't comment right now, on my way to Lowe's with my old craftsman tools.

[@robertoswalt319]

Let us know how you came out. (Please)

[@normhodgkinson6965]

@@robertoswalt319 i actually didn't make it to Lowe's this evening. i still have to dig around for some of my worn or broken tools. as sixtyfiveford showed in the video, it seems Lowe's and Ace are honoring the long standing replacement policy for the Craftsman tools. next time you're in Lowe's or Ace, you might ask just to be sure.

[@normhodgkinson6965]

@Celso Pinheiro Pimenta yeah, no kidding. i got sidetracked, then i had to get something to eat, then i ran into some people i know, well, you know how it is.

[@64maxpower]

Lol, I just tossed a bunch of Craftsman tools thinking the return policy was dead with Sears

[@stevevanpelt4475]

Same here. doh

[@jonnyzuma6884]

Sears is dead, lol

[@robsimpson9784]

I’ve had great luck with Stanley tools. I had a broken ratchet and I just called their hotline and they sent me the new one in the mail. I didn’t have to send back the old one and I didn’t have to visit the store.

[@Paiadakine]

Last year Lowe’s started carrying craftsman tool. They exchanged a 1/2 Ratchet no problem. Just like Sears. Super happy about that. Just took the new one off the shelf and gave them the broke one.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome. That's the way it is supposed to work.